For Verdins principles to reduce moral culpability, there must be a direct causative link between the mental condition and the commission of the offences; impaired mental functioning that only forms the 'background' to offending is insufficient. Even in cases of grave sexual offending involving premeditation and home invasion, a sentencing judge must give sufficient weight to a youthful offender's age, immaturity and prospects of rehabilitation, including the risk of institutionalisation during a long sentence. Orders for cumulation of sentences for multiple offences committed in a single course of conduct must be proportionate.
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